The big day had arrived! A wedding in the Alps, between a little fella from Poole in England and an even littler lass from Füssen in Germany. So naturally it made total sense to get on a coach and go to Austria for it!
I awoke bright an early, donned my suit, which my mother had told me was more of a summer suit than an Alps in November suit, and began practicing the speech I had written a few days before. Awaiting the rest of the gang I went over my lines and ensure I had all the gear I needed to pull off a great speech. Soon we found ourselves wondering down to the coach park where I was for some unknown reason put in charge of ensuring all coach travelers were aboard! The usual suspects cut it close but I was happy that no one was late. I went around the group and ensured I asked them all the same question, ‘Do you have your passports? We are crossing into Austria don’t forget.’ I was slightly dismayed when so many of the group started to panic as if I was serious!
Soon we were hurtling the 12 or so miles from Fussen to Reutte, Germany to Austria, on the northern edge of the Alps. The scenic views of the mountains quelled any apprehension about my speech and I was able to thoroughly enjoy the trip. We soon arrived at the venue, a castle no less, Ehrenberger Klause (Ehrenberg Castle), and were able to usher people into the correct room at which point I was able to collect my thoughts. My only brother was about to embark into marriage which was a great feeling, and so it began. The service was different but delightful, the venue was lovely though I couldn’t help but giggle every time I saw someone in the distance out the window flying by on a zip line! I played my part well, and soon enough I had a new sister.
Then we ventured down to the food, drinks and conversation. I was surprised at the lack of people who had observed the zip-liners outside the window, but if the passport joke at the beginning of the day was anything to go by I should have known. Soon we were heading up Festung Schlosskopf, the hill besides us for photos. Thankfully, there was a funicular which took us from the bottom to half way and then a quick switch to another and we were at the top in fine spirits for the photos.
After they were done we were able to spend some time exploring the top and Schlosskopf Fortress that had once stood there. The views were stunning and we all enjoyed our time there. If you want to learn more about the Fortress and area surrounding follow the link: https://oncastles.com/reutte-tyrol-ehrenberg-castle-fort-claudia-and-schlosskopf/
It was time to descend and after a short ride down the mountain, we gathered ourselves for the little drive into town to the evening venue. The alcohol flowed and soon the food, which was fantastic I must say, was gratefully received and that’s when the nerves kicked in. The speech was imminent and now I realised I would be last after the groom and father of the bride! I nervously twitched my leg as my brother began his speech which did indeed make me slightly emotional! Then it was the turn of the father of the bride aided in translation by the brother of the bride. Needless to say they too did a brilliant job. Then my turn came, to follow such great speeches is not an easy thing to do, but lets be honest, I was brilliant.
Speeches done and the party truly began, a live band, great food, family and friends, and of course one too many beers. What’s not to like! A first dance was had, a cake was cut and we danced the night away. Then the true test of the day was upon me, getting all the somewhat inebriated, including myself, people back on the coach to Germany! We thankfully didn’t leave anyone in Austria but it was touch and go for a time when I remembered the numbers had changed during the day and was sure we had one less than needed for about 10 minutes of the journey!
Soon we were back in Füssen and the freedom to wonder like zombies back to our respective hotels, hostels and flats. A successful day, a lovely wedding and no sooner had my head hit the pillow I awoke to our last few days in Germany.
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